Pope Alexander VI: Rodrigo Borgia

Love, Power, and God are interchangeable terms throughout the history of civilization including those ancient and modern. These items are what start wars and shape nations as well as the history of nations. One piece of history which has brought such controversy even into modern times is the story of Rodrigo Borgia more famously known as Pope Alexander VI. Pope Alexander IV has been written into history as one of the most scandalous popes of the Renaissance era. His legacy is tarnished with alleged murders, incestuous relationships, and nepotism. Many biographies have been written about Rodrigo chiming in on the scandal involved in his house. There’s even a television drama series in which depicts some of the things that may have transpired …show more content…
By the age of 25 Rodrigo had been ordained as a Deacon. Soon after he was appointed cardinal deacon of San Nicolain, Carcere. It is important to know that appointments of authoritarian positions of family members also known as nepotism was highly common in the era. However, these acts of nepotism are certainly not positive characteristics of leadership and are certainly frowned upon in both past and present times. Less than a year after his initial cardinal appointment Borgia was newly appointed to chancellor of the Holy Roman Church. Something that often gets misconstrued at this point is the notion that Borgia has gained positions of authority solely by his uncle which is partially true. However, it is also important to recognize that he was a doctor of law and top of his class his experience qualified him for such high positions although it is certain that having the pope as uncle was much more effective in ensuring that he would obtain such positions. After nearly three short years Pope Callixtus III died. However, Borgia continued on as chancellor under the succeeding Pope Pius II. Borgia maintained his position as chancellor for well over ten years. According to